Frederick J. Eikerenkoetter II, widely known as Reverend Ike, left an indelible mark on American religious history as a charismatic minister and evangelist who broke away from conventional Christian theology to preach his own brand of prosperity, which he called the "Science of Living." Born on June 1, 1935, in Ridgeland, South Carolina, to parents of Dutch and African-Indonesian descent, Ike's journey unfolded against a backdrop of diverse cultural influences.As a young preacher, Ike began his career in the pulpit, quickly rising to the position of assistant pastor at Bible Way Church in Ridgeland. Following a stint in the Air Force as a Chaplain Service Specialist, he founded the United Church of Jesus Christ for All People in Beaufort, South Carolina. Ike's spiritual journey took him to Boston, Massachusetts, where he established the United Christian Evangelistic Association. Eventually, he founded the Christ Community United Church in the heart of New York City, solidifying his place in the bustling metropolis.